ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
India and Oman Agree to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation in the Field of Maritime Security and Defence Industry
His Excellency, Sayyid Badr Saud Harib Al Busaidi, the Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs, Sultanate of Oman, is on an official visit to India at the invitation of Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Omani Minister met with RakshaMantri in South Block today afternoon. The Ministers undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral defence cooperation and discussed measures to further enhance bilateral exchanges.
India and Oman share strong and multifaceted defence ties. The three wings of the Armed Forces hold staff talks and advanced joint exercises with each other. Several enabling agreements and Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between the two countries pertaining to defence related issues.
During today’s meeting, both Ministers agreed upon a range of measures to enhance the defence relationship between the two countries. Cooperation in maritime security and defence industry engagement were prioritized for future engagement.
Both Ministers also shared their perspectives on recent developments related to regional security.
SRR/Nampi/Rajib
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Prime Minister's Office
PM calls for spreading awareness for water conservation
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has commended the volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra, West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh for performing 'nukkad natak' to spread awareness about rainwater harvesting.
Replying to a tweet by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Prime Minister tweeted :
"Such efforts are laudatory and they go a long way in spreading awareness on various issues. I hope more people across India undertake such efforts to further the message of water conservation."
Cabinet
Cabinet approves the Constitution  Amendment Order, 2019
Promotion Benefits for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes in services in J&K
10% Reservation for economically weaker sections in educational institutions & public employment in J&K
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approvedthe proposal of Jammu &Kashmir Government regarding amendment to the Constitution  0rder, 1954 by way of the Constitution  Amendment Order, 2019. It will serve the purpose of application of relevant provisions of the Constitution of India, as amended through the Constitution  Act, 1995 and Constitution  Act, 2019 for Jammu and Kashmir, by issuing the Constitution  Amendment Order, 2019 by the President under clause  of Article370.
Impact:
Once notified, this will pave the way for giving benefit of promotion in service tothe Scheduled Castes, the Schedule Tribes and also extend the reservation ofup to 10% for "economically weaker sections" in educational institutions and public employment in addition to the existing reservation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Background : Equity & Inclusiveness
- 10% reservation for economically weaker sections made applicable in J&K also. This would pave the way for reserving State Government jobs to the youth of J&K who are from economically weaker sections belonging to any religion or caste. It may be recalled that 10% reservation to economically weaker sections was introduced in rest of the country through the 103rd Constitution Amendment in January 2019. This will be in addition to such reservation available in Govt. of India jobs also.
- Benefit of promotion to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which include Gujjars and Bakarwals amongst others, has also been made applicable to the State of J&K. After a long wait of 24 years, the 77th Constitution Amendment of 1995 has now been applied to the State of J&K.
- People living near the International Border have been brought at par with those living near the Line of Control for reservation in State Government jobs by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 through an Ordinance. Earlier, the provision of 3% reservation was available only for youth living within 6 kms. Of LoC in J&K. Now, this provision will be applicable for people living near the international border also. This has been a long-pending demand of the population living near the international border, as they have been facing the brunt of cross border firing in J&K.
Constitution  Act, 1995 was enacted thereby inserting clause  after clause 4 of Article 16 of Constitution of India. Clause  provides for giving benefit of promotion in service to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. The Constitution  Act, 2019 has been applied in the country except Jammu and Kashmir and with extension of Act to Jammu and Kashmir economically weaker sections of State would also avail the benefit of reservation.
Prime Minister's Office
Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees call on the Prime Minister
Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees call on the Prime Minister
(41 Officer Trainees of the 2016 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
Sharing his thoughts, Prime Minister stressed on the need for the Foreign Service officers to be extremely well informed, and think in a global perspective. He urged the officer trainees to keep in touch with their batchmates from other services, in course of their career, so that they could always keep abreast of developments at home.
The Prime Minister said, that by and large, the world believes that India has a bright future, and is comfortable with India’s rising stature.
Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla Inaugurates Naval Satellite Data Centre At Kavaratti
Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command  inaugurated Naval Communication Network Satellite Data Centre,
a state of the art facility at the INS Dweeprakshak, Kavaratti here on Tuesday. The flag officer is on a three day visit to Lakshadweep archipelago. DIG D Dinakar, District Commander Indian Coast Guard Lakshwadweep, Shri. A Anbarasu IAS, Advisor to Lakshwadweep Administrator, Commander Praveen, Commanding Officer,
INS Dweeprakshak, Shri. S Asker Ali IAS, District Collector UT of Lakshadweep,
Miss Egna Cleetus IAS, Asst Collector UT of Lakshadweep, officers, sailors, staff of the establishment and representatives of the project implementation agencies were also present during the inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion,Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla stated that the Satellite Data Centre which is equipped with state of the art networking equipment will provide a tremendous boost to the communication throughput of the Indian Navy. He added that it is another milestone towards seamless Network centric operations of the armed forces. After the function, discussions were held at the Satellite Data Centre attended by representatives of Union Territory Administration Shri. A Anbarasu IAS, Shri. S Asker Ali IAS, Miss Egna Cleetus IAS and other dignitaries. The flag officer discussed various issues concerning islands which include Coast clean up, waste management, expansion of Naval NCC and various other administrative issues.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the people on the eve of Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti
The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has greeted the nation on the eve of Guru Nanak Dev's birthday. Following is the full text of his message -
("I convey my hearty greetings and good wishes to the people of our country and those living abroad, on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
Our country has been blessed to have received spiritual and moral guidance from great teachers like Guru Nanak Dev ji, who evoked the inherent unity of mankind that is bound by the universal virtues of truth, kindness and righteousness.
India earned the esteemed stature of Vishwaguru with the sagely wisdom of preceptors and masters like Guru Nanak Dev ji. He showed us the path of a compassionate virtuous life and an inclusive society. The pantheon of his Shabads and Sakhis, is the timeless spiritual heritage of entire humanity .
May Guru Nanak Dev's eternal message guide us on the path of creating a kind, compassionate and peaceful world."
Following is the Hindi version of the message -
"गुरु नानक देव जी की जन्म जयंती के शुभ अवसर पर देशवासियों तथा विदेशों में रह रहे प्रवासी भारतीय समुदाय को हार्दिक बधाई तथा शुभ कामनाएं!
हमारे देश का यह सौभाग्य रहा कि उसे गुरु नानक देव जी जैसी विभूतियों से आध्यामिक और नैतिक मार्गदर्शन प्राप्त हुआ जिन्होंने अखिल मानवता की उस अंतर्निहित एकता को उजागर किया जो सत्य, करुणा और सदाचरण जैसे सार्वभौमिक गुणों से एकसूत्र में बंधी रही है। गुरु नानक जी जैसे आचार्यों और गुरुजनों के सात्विक ज्ञान के कारण ही भारत को विश्वगुरु के रूप में प्रतिष्ठा मिली। उन्होंने हमें एक पवित्र संवेदनशील जीवन तथा एक समावेशी समाज की राह दिखायी। उन्होंने अपने नैतिक और आध्यात्मिक उपदेशों से समाज में समानता के संस्कार डाले। उनके शबद -साखी, उनका सम्पूर्ण वांग्मय, सारी मानवता की शाश्वत आध्यात्मिक धरोहर हैं। उनका कालजयी संदेश, एक करुणामय, संवेदनशील और शांतिपूर्ण विश्व के निर्माण हेतु हमारा मार्गदर्शन करे।"
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister Meets Opposition Leaders in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh, met and interacted with opposition leaders from various political parties of Bangladesh. The engagement involved discussions on wide gamut of issues pertaining to the two countries' bilateral relations.
DS
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Prime Minister's Office
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam ushers in a new era of inclusive governance: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has acknowledged that Nari Shakti Vandan Act will unleash a new era of inclusive governance undoing major hindrance in the participation of women in policy and law-making via an article by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.
Sharing a post on X by Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister said:
“Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah elaborates how the recently passed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam ushers in a new era of inclusive governance.”
Ministry of Finance
CBIT & Customs Notification No.39/2019
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby makes the following amendments in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Notification No.37/2019-CUSTOMS , dated 16thMay, 2019 with effect from 1st June, 2019.
In the SCHEDULE-I of the said Notification, for serial No.15 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
SCHEDULE-I
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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15.
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South African Rand
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4.85
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4.55
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Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves Promulgation of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance, 2019
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Promulgation of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance, 2019.
Benefits:
The proposed Ordinance will immediately tackle the menace of illicit deposit taking activities in the country launched by rapacious operators, which at present are exploiting regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings, by altogether banning unregulated deposit taking schemes, and having adequate provisions for punishment and disgorgement / repayment of deposits in cases where such schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits illegally.
AKT/SH
(Visitor Counter : 612
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Skill Development Programmes for Farmers and Women
Under Skill India Mission, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  is implementing schemes for imparting employable skills to the youth through short term and long term program on pan India basis both in rural and urban areas.
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana  2.0  implemented by MSDE provides short term training to the youth across the country including farmers and women in rural areas. There are three kinds of training routes under the scheme: Short term Training for fresh skilling of school / college drop outs and unemployed youth, Recognition of Prior Learning to recognize the existing skills and Special Projects to address skilling requirements of groups which are underrepresented or require special initiatives and efforts. RPL only provides orientation to the already skilled workforce, and does not mandate placements. Scheme is being implemented in the country in both rural and urban areas across 37 sectors including Agriculture sector. To facilitate training of women, PwD and candidate from backward area scheme provisions pay out in form of post placement support, conveyance allowance, assistive aid, boarding and lodging facility  among other is provisioned. As on 11.11.2019, the total number of persons trained under Agriculture sectors are 5,36,442. The total number of women trainees are 26,75,856. In addition, the total number of persons trained under Agriculture sectors under fee based courses are 1,14,962.
Directorate General of Training , Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  is entrusted with the responsibility of long term vocational training in the Country. One of the schemes is ‘Craftsmen Training Scheme’ being implemented through network of 15697 Industrial Training Institutes  located all over the country with an objective to provide skilled work force to the industry in 138 trades with duration of 6 months, 1 year and 2 year. There are 33 NSTI , out of which 18 are Women NSTIs. A total of 3400 seats under Craftsmen Training Scheme and 1540 seats under Craft Instructor Training Schemes  for Women are sanctioned in 18 NSTIs.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri R.K. Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Bio-Digester Units
As per Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, local bodies and village panchayats shall facilitate construction, operation and maintenance of solid waste processing facilities and associated infrastructure on their own or with private sector participation or through any agency for optimum utilization of various components of solid waste, by adopting suitable technology and adhering to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs from time to time and also the standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. Preference shall be given to decentralized processing to minimize transportation cost and environmental impacts such as:
• bio-methanation, microbial composting, vermi-composting, anaerobic digestion or any other appropriate processing for bio-stabilisation of biodegradable wastes;
• waste to energy processes including refused derived fuel for combustible fraction of waste or supply as feedstock to solid waste based power plants or cement kilns
Further, the Central Pollution Control Board has also constituted Standing Committee on Technology for Waste Management for assessment of indigenous technologies and innovative waste management practices. The Committee has prepared a Protocol for Evaluation of Technology for Waste Management.
Compressed biogas plants can use paddy straw stubble and convert it into biogas. These plants can reduce the incidence of stubble burning. The plants for generation of compressed biogas can be supported under SATAT  scheme of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, as per scheme guidelines.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of New Year- 2022
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the eve of New Year 2022. Following is the full text of his message in English & Hindi -
“I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians on the advent of the New Year 2022.
The New Year is a time for new beginnings. It is a time to set new goals in life and make new resolutions. On this New Year, let us resolve to be kinder, more compassionate and considerate human beings.
On this joyous occasion, let us collectively resolve to dedicate ourselves towards building a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious society.
May the New Year bring peace, good health and happiness in our lives.”
Following is the Hindi version of the message -
“मैं देश के सभी नागरिकों को नव वर्ष 2022 के आगमन पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
नव वर्ष नई पहल करने का समय होता है। यह जीवन में नए लक्ष्य निर्धारित करने और नए संकल्प लेने का समय है। आइए, हम इस नव वर्ष के अवसर पर और ज्यादा दयालु, करुणामय और विचारशील मानव बनने का संकल्प लें।
इस उल्लासपूर्ण अवसर पर, आइए हम स्वयं को सामूहिक रूप से एक शांतिपूर्ण, समृद्ध और सौहार्दपूर्ण समाज के निर्माण के लिए समर्पित करने का संकल्प लें।
मैं कामना करता हूं कि नव वर्ष हमारे जीवन मे शांति, अच्छा स्वास्थ्य और खुशहाली लेकर आए।”
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Programme to Prevent Impairment Invision in Diabetics
As per the National Blindness & Visual Impairment Survey , Diabetic Retinopathy is responsible for 0.8% of visual impairment in the surveyed population in India. Globally, diabetic retinopathy is estimated to be responsible for 1.3% of visual impairment in the year 2015.
Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment , Diabetic Retinopathy is a priority disease. Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy has also started in some states of the country.
Information, Education and Communication  through print, electronic and digital media is an on-going activity under NPCBVI to create mass awareness among the public including diabetics to prevent impairment in vision. Also, special campaigns are undertaken during the World Sight Day to educate people about the measures to prevent impairment in vision.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Impact of Coronavirus
The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted some of the major economies of the world. It has affected countries across the globe including some of the major players like USA, European Union, UK, and India.Both World Bank and IMF estimate contraction in global GDP for FY 2020-21 due to the spillover effects of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Various sectors were affected due to the nation-wide lockdown. However, after the lockdown was relaxed, we see significant improvement in several sectors of the economy.
Government has implemented several measures for the revival of industries which, inter-alia, include:
 Relief measures for MSMEs such as collateral-free lending program with 100 percent credit guarantee, subordinate debt for stressed MSMEs with partial guarantee, partial credit guarantee scheme for public sector banks on borrowings of non-bank financial companies, housing finance companies , and micro finance institutions, Fund of Funds for equity infusion in MSMEs, additional support to farmers via concessional credit, as well as a credit facility for street vendors , amongst others.
 Regulatory and compliance measures: postponing tax-filing and other compliance deadlines, reduction in penalty interest rate for overdue GST filings, change in government procurement rules, faster clearing of MSME dues, IBC related relaxations for MSMEs, amongst others.
 Structural reforms announced as part of the Atmanirbhar Package which, inter alia, include deregulation of the agricultural sector, change in definition of MSMEs, new PSU policy, commercialization of coal mining, higher FDI limits in defence and space sector, development of Industrial Land/ Land Bank and Industrial Information System, revamp of Viability Gap Funding scheme for social infrastructure, new power tariff policy and incentivizing States to undertake sector reforms.
 Reduction in EPF contributions, employment provision for migrant workers; insurance coverage for workers in the healthcare sector; and wage increase for MGNREGA workers and support for building and construction workers, collateral free loans to self-help groups. Also, Government has launched National Infrastructure Pipeline, expandedPhase Manufacturing Programme, Production Linked Incentive Schemes and created Centralised Investment Clearance Cell for end to end support for investment.
India has responded positively to the Covid-19 challenge. Indian manufacturers have enhanced production of PPE, N-95/N-99 masks, HCQ medicine and oxygen cylinders to meet the domestic/external requirements. The Indian economy is known for its resilience and is expected to gradually return to its high growth performance in the coming months.
This information was given by the UnionMinister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
Railways withdraws restriction on provision of linen, blankets and curtains inside trains with immediate effect
In view of Pandemic and Covid Protocol due to Covid-19, Standard Operating Protocol  for Movement of passengers by trains was issued which imposed the restriction on linen, blankets and curtains inside trains.
Railways have now decided to withdraw the above restriction with regard to supply of linen, blankets and curtains inside the train with immediate effect and the same may be provided as per applicability during Pre-Covid period.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate of conversion of the Foreign Currencies relating to Imported and Export Goods notified
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in super-session of the notification of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs  No.35/2019-CUSTOMS , dated 2nd May, 2019 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such super-session, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs  hereby determines that the Rate of Exchange of conversion of each of the Foreign Currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 17th May, 2019, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said Section, relating to Imported and Export Goods.
SCHEDULE-I
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Australian Dollar
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49.8
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47.55
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2.
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Bahraini Dinar
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192.65
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180.7
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3.
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Canadian Dollar
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53.25
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51.4
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4.
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Chinese Yuan
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10.4
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10.05
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5.
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Danish Kroner
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10.75
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10.35
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6.
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EURO
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80.3
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77.35
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7.
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Hong Kong Dollar
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9.15
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8.8
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8.
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Kuwaiti Dinar
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238.75
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223.9
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9.
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New Zealand Dollar
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47.35
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45.15
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10.
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Norwegian Kroner
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8.2
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7.9
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11.
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Pound Sterling
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92
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88.75
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12.
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Qatari Riyal
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19.95
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18.7
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13.
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Saudi Arabian Riyal
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19.35
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18.15
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14.
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Singapore Dollar
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52.3
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50.5
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15.
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South African Rand
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5.1
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4.8
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16.
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Swedish Kroner
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7.45
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7.2
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17.
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Swiss Franc
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71.1
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68.35
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18.
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Turkish Lira
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12.05
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11.3
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19.
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UAE Dirham
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19.75
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18.55
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20.
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US Dollar
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71.15
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69.5
SCHEDULE-II
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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Japanese Yen
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65.45
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63
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Korean Won
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6.1
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5.75
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
183.20 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 16,187
Active cases stand at 0.04%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.75%
1,826 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,24,82,262
1,421 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
78.69 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 6,20,251 tests conducted in the last 24 hours